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54 Photos That Prove Japan Is Not Like Any Other Country

Japanese culture is absolutely incomparable to any in our Western world. Their deeply rooted politeness, precision, and dedication to work are rarely seen anywhere else. And though you might know Japan as a home to anime, sumo wrestlers, cherry blossoms and bullet trains, their ingenuity shows in many other aspects of their daily lives. Starting with extremely innovative toilets and vending machines filled with fresh farm eggs, to the unique system of Tokyo subway and drainage canals swarming with Koi fish. These are just a particle of the interesting facts about Japanese culture. Actually, there are so many that this one post couldn't fit them all.

Bored Panda has compiled some of the weirdest inventions, cultural practices and amazing facts about Japan that will make this country your go-to destination.

#1

Bus Drivers In Japan Were On Strike But Continued Driving Their Routes While Refusing To Take Fares From Passengers

I have double thoughts about it. Part of me, thinks this is awsome and effective, but the othe other part thinks that, if you don't make regular people uncomfortable too, you make less impact and the people might not want to support your cause because for them, the protest is only beneficial. If everyone's uncomfortable, everyone will be like "Oh, give them what they want, so this can f***ing end!" But then, again, not everyone is the same, and my appreciation for this kind of striking is prevailing. So, I praise these drivers.

Most Japanese Schools Don't Have Custodians. Instead, The Students Do The Cleaning Themselves As A Part Of Showing Gratitude To The School And Learning How To Become More Productive Members Of Society

That's great, but there are 2,384,600 janitors/ building cleaners employed in the US. Most young kids are expected to do little chores in the classroom but janitors take care of hallways, bathrooms, etc. It's a job that requires no formal education and keeps a lot of people employed.

In Japan, Even The Deer Are Polite

Most of these deers are extremely aggressive!!! They bit me all the way from a snack stand to the entrance of the temple. And bit me again when I'm not feeding them fast enough. I suffered so much trying to save some snacks for the little ones...

In Japan, The Ground Crew Bows And Waves Goodbye To The Departing Aircraft

What I love about them is their sense of courtesy... When you are around a neighborhood and go down for a morning walk, neighbors will greet you a warm "Ohayo!" (Good morning!)
It's very heartwarming..

Toreiyu Tsubasa Train In Japan Is Equipped With Footbaths So You Can Enjoy A Relaxing Trip

Japanese Often Line Up For Buses, Trains, Restaurants Or Shops And Can Wait In Lines For Long Periods Of Time. Kids Learn How To Line Up As Early As Kindergarten As It Teaches Self-Discipline, Cooperation And Respect

Almost Everyone In Japan Reverse Parks

yes they do. almost everyone even managed to park very neatly and as closely together as possible too. I wonder how hard it was to gain a driver's license there, bc I sure as heck won't ever passed them if I took it.

The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)

The building where my office is at, like most office buildings in the world, does not have a sign like that. Yesterday, had the lift had this sign, it could have spared me the trip back to the 18th floor to take my umbrella.

Šarūnė is a List Curator here at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. Before BP, she traveled quite a bit and now could tell you some interesting stories about Alaskan black bears or how to survive +35°C while hiking in the Portuguese mountains. Later, she worked as a freelance copywriter for a travel agency until one day, she just became a bored panda. Now, Šarūnė can easily create a list of "30 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats".

It's funny how so many of these are both brilliant and awful. I have been many times in Tokyo and while I love the discipline, cleanliness and helpfulness of the Japanese, it can quickly get on my nerves... The reason is simple: the price to pay for this is just too absurdly high. Especially since I'm married with a Japanese woman, because now I need to follow the rules. And trust me, there are lots of them. So many that it's impossible even for a Japanese person to know all of them... And Japanese society (in Tokyo at least) can be very very stressful after a while. Impossible to compare with what we can see in western countries.
But at the same time I love Japan. But I hate it... This is why I still don't clearly know if I want to leave in Japan. Part of me says "it's a fantastic country". And it is. But part of me also says "I wouldn't last more than a year in this madness".
I've lived in many different countries and Japan is the only one that makes me feel this way...

Glad you pointed that out. People who are not from the culture see all this and think it's great and they want to live there. They don't realize most of these things stem from the culture and discipline of the people, and they are such a hard working society that is very stressed out. The suicide rate is fairly high and a lot of it stems from work fatigue and work related depression. Japan is also a very male dominated society. I would not mind visiting but I don't feel like I could handle the stress of such a busy society.

Yes, the suicide rate is high not (only) because the Japanese are a proud people, but mostly a lot many of them are under a lot of pressure, at all time. Japanese society can be pretty unforgiving if we don't follow the rules and if we don't "succeed". But like you said, I only wanted to point out that this perfection comes at a very high price. Maybe too high for many people alas...
Note: I love Japan very much. But like many other countries. ;)

I think I'm gonna add that the suicide rate is also very high because although Japan has a great perspective on bodily health, they don't have a great one on mental health. I've had several penpals from Japan I spoke to regularly, and one of them was writing to me online in email exchanges. And in one, she told me about how she was late for work because someone committed suicide by jumping in front of the train AGAIN! It's almost an everyday occurance there. And she spoke to me about how Japanese people tend to be too proud to seek out medication or treatment for mental health issues. There are exceptions, such as if kids are endangered due to a parent's mental health or their job performance suffers. But for the most part things like Depression, Anxiety, etc are not talked about. Japan is a very secretive society, so things like that wouldn't be talked about.

I appreciate your and Bob's more rounded perspective of Japanese culture. People always want to tout the positives without having a clear understanding of the entire culture. I've read a lot about the culture, had friends from Tokyo and I absolutely would not want to live in Japan. The social pressure is far to high and individual freedoms are sacrificed for the greater collectivist "good". Of course there are aspects I love and that I think we could take from, but as Bob stated, the price for the individual is simply too high. American culture values individual liberty and freedom over collectivist ideology with the rights of the individual being the at the core of our government and culture, which the polar opposite of Japanese culture.

It's important to remember that the grass is not always greener! Many people think this looks amazing compared to how 'messy' America is, but we have a lot more free reign in what we do and our career paths because there aren't these very high and strict expectations. I respect the Japanese and how hard they work, and the level of respect they maintain, but it seems almost robotic to me and I could not do it!

I understand that this pressure has also resulted in the loss of many people enjoying romantic relationships. They spend so much time at work and helping with family, they don't have time to pursue relationships or, if they have one, to spend intimate time together.

It may be that it’s only tougher for you because you weren’t raised in that kind of society? Not being sarcastic, I really don’t know if that’s right or not. But it could be that people who are raised into this are much less stressed out by it.

Their suicide rates are high, and personally I have spoken to Japanese natives who are born and raised. Some aspects of their society are indeed something they're used to. But others have them very stressed out.
The thing that we as Westerners will always say when we watch an anime is that 99% of the problems would go away if they just TALKED it out. But Japanese will not do that. They are a very secretive society, one that encourages people to keep their problems to themselves. So things like loneliness, depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation... it's a problem. Granted, it encourages people to be more observant about the people around them, but at the same time if people aren't, you will have people passing out at work or school from overworking, or even committing suicide.
Teens have a lot of pressure to get into a good High School, and then again to get into a good college. And then while in Middle school or High School, their test scores are posted for the whole school to see.

Look at the rates of people staying single longer due to societal stresses, and the suicide rates. There are countless stories you can Google about how stressed out that society is on the whole. It's absolutely a double edged sword for the native inhabitants.

Why do so many commenters find it impossible to compliment one society without putting down another? Enjoy Japan for what it is. They have some wonderful cultural attributes, and they have their problems. Just like every other place in the world. It really is possible to appreciate their culture without putting other ones down.

Well Bob, I don't think the rules are that tough. I spent 10 years of my youth growing up in Japan. It was fun, laid back and because of the low crime rate, much less stressful than the US. I could go anywhere any time and feel safe. I was not exposed to drugs or many of the temptations that most American school children must face. I am an Air Force brat so perhaps that is why the rules didn't phase me. As for the suicide rate there are more factors to consider. Suicide is not viewed the same way in Japan as it is in the US. In the US we consider all life to be sacred and suicide is murder. It is considered shameful. In Japan suicide restores honor to the family. It is a cultural difference. Many of the suicides are committed by young people who have not achieved their academic goals or are fearful of failure. American teens that commit suicide do so, because they feel they don't fit in. Americans have changed and many work the same long hours as the Japanese.

Why do so many commenters find it impossible to compliment one society without putting down another? Enjoy Japan for what it is. They have some wonderful cultural attributes, and they have their problems. Just like every other place in the world. It really is possible to appreciate their culture without putting other ones down.

Well put! I'm not cutting on any country,but it is a mindset here in the U.S.Not many here in the US will admit that we may not have the solutions .We have a tendency to think OUR way is the way the whole world should solve a certain issue.Typical for "my way or no way" thinking.If it did not cost so much I would love to be able to live in Japan and other countries,especially many Asian countries.I would take the time to enjoy their culture,not find fault with it.

I agree. I loved living in Japan! Extremely kind and respectful (at least back 3 decades ago.) Drivers turned off high beams whenever they stopped at a traffic light so as to diminish the safety hazard and/or discomfort in the eyes of oncoming traffic drivers. It was verboten to play music on trains, lest you'd infringe upon the rights of others to have "quiet time." And no one went out into public areas if they were ill/had a cold, etc. If riders absolutely HAD to go on a train while they had sniffles, they always wore masks. Plus, I got my exercise while fervently bowing (deeper than the first one bowing! Absolutely!) It seemed that most of their customs/practices were not only well thought out, but obviously necessary in order to secure maximum comfort for all as well as to increase productivity on an individual as well as societal level.

Well put! Why Is it so many people think their way is the only way of thinking? I personally would love to be able to live and visit other countries...especially many Asian countries. I have visited an Asian country that has many problems, but the people live with joy and a zest for life and true freedom that most people I have met can only dream of. It is not that hard to enjoy another culture if you take the time to understand them and get to know them.

It's funny how so many of these are both brilliant and awful. I have been many times in Tokyo and while I love the discipline, cleanliness and helpfulness of the Japanese, it can quickly get on my nerves... The reason is simple: the price to pay for this is just too absurdly high. Especially since I'm married with a Japanese woman, because now I need to follow the rules. And trust me, there are lots of them. So many that it's impossible even for a Japanese person to know all of them... And Japanese society (in Tokyo at least) can be very very stressful after a while. Impossible to compare with what we can see in western countries.
But at the same time I love Japan. But I hate it... This is why I still don't clearly know if I want to leave in Japan. Part of me says "it's a fantastic country". And it is. But part of me also says "I wouldn't last more than a year in this madness".
I've lived in many different countries and Japan is the only one that makes me feel this way...

Glad you pointed that out. People who are not from the culture see all this and think it's great and they want to live there. They don't realize most of these things stem from the culture and discipline of the people, and they are such a hard working society that is very stressed out. The suicide rate is fairly high and a lot of it stems from work fatigue and work related depression. Japan is also a very male dominated society. I would not mind visiting but I don't feel like I could handle the stress of such a busy society.

Yes, the suicide rate is high not (only) because the Japanese are a proud people, but mostly a lot many of them are under a lot of pressure, at all time. Japanese society can be pretty unforgiving if we don't follow the rules and if we don't "succeed". But like you said, I only wanted to point out that this perfection comes at a very high price. Maybe too high for many people alas...
Note: I love Japan very much. But like many other countries. ;)

I think I'm gonna add that the suicide rate is also very high because although Japan has a great perspective on bodily health, they don't have a great one on mental health. I've had several penpals from Japan I spoke to regularly, and one of them was writing to me online in email exchanges. And in one, she told me about how she was late for work because someone committed suicide by jumping in front of the train AGAIN! It's almost an everyday occurance there. And she spoke to me about how Japanese people tend to be too proud to seek out medication or treatment for mental health issues. There are exceptions, such as if kids are endangered due to a parent's mental health or their job performance suffers. But for the most part things like Depression, Anxiety, etc are not talked about. Japan is a very secretive society, so things like that wouldn't be talked about.

I appreciate your and Bob's more rounded perspective of Japanese culture. People always want to tout the positives without having a clear understanding of the entire culture. I've read a lot about the culture, had friends from Tokyo and I absolutely would not want to live in Japan. The social pressure is far to high and individual freedoms are sacrificed for the greater collectivist "good". Of course there are aspects I love and that I think we could take from, but as Bob stated, the price for the individual is simply too high. American culture values individual liberty and freedom over collectivist ideology with the rights of the individual being the at the core of our government and culture, which the polar opposite of Japanese culture.

It's important to remember that the grass is not always greener! Many people think this looks amazing compared to how 'messy' America is, but we have a lot more free reign in what we do and our career paths because there aren't these very high and strict expectations. I respect the Japanese and how hard they work, and the level of respect they maintain, but it seems almost robotic to me and I could not do it!

I understand that this pressure has also resulted in the loss of many people enjoying romantic relationships. They spend so much time at work and helping with family, they don't have time to pursue relationships or, if they have one, to spend intimate time together.

It may be that it’s only tougher for you because you weren’t raised in that kind of society? Not being sarcastic, I really don’t know if that’s right or not. But it could be that people who are raised into this are much less stressed out by it.

Their suicide rates are high, and personally I have spoken to Japanese natives who are born and raised. Some aspects of their society are indeed something they're used to. But others have them very stressed out.
The thing that we as Westerners will always say when we watch an anime is that 99% of the problems would go away if they just TALKED it out. But Japanese will not do that. They are a very secretive society, one that encourages people to keep their problems to themselves. So things like loneliness, depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation... it's a problem. Granted, it encourages people to be more observant about the people around them, but at the same time if people aren't, you will have people passing out at work or school from overworking, or even committing suicide.
Teens have a lot of pressure to get into a good High School, and then again to get into a good college. And then while in Middle school or High School, their test scores are posted for the whole school to see.

Look at the rates of people staying single longer due to societal stresses, and the suicide rates. There are countless stories you can Google about how stressed out that society is on the whole. It's absolutely a double edged sword for the native inhabitants.

Why do so many commenters find it impossible to compliment one society without putting down another? Enjoy Japan for what it is. They have some wonderful cultural attributes, and they have their problems. Just like every other place in the world. It really is possible to appreciate their culture without putting other ones down.

Well Bob, I don't think the rules are that tough. I spent 10 years of my youth growing up in Japan. It was fun, laid back and because of the low crime rate, much less stressful than the US. I could go anywhere any time and feel safe. I was not exposed to drugs or many of the temptations that most American school children must face. I am an Air Force brat so perhaps that is why the rules didn't phase me. As for the suicide rate there are more factors to consider. Suicide is not viewed the same way in Japan as it is in the US. In the US we consider all life to be sacred and suicide is murder. It is considered shameful. In Japan suicide restores honor to the family. It is a cultural difference. Many of the suicides are committed by young people who have not achieved their academic goals or are fearful of failure. American teens that commit suicide do so, because they feel they don't fit in. Americans have changed and many work the same long hours as the Japanese.

Why do so many commenters find it impossible to compliment one society without putting down another? Enjoy Japan for what it is. They have some wonderful cultural attributes, and they have their problems. Just like every other place in the world. It really is possible to appreciate their culture without putting other ones down.

Well put! I'm not cutting on any country,but it is a mindset here in the U.S.Not many here in the US will admit that we may not have the solutions .We have a tendency to think OUR way is the way the whole world should solve a certain issue.Typical for "my way or no way" thinking.If it did not cost so much I would love to be able to live in Japan and other countries,especially many Asian countries.I would take the time to enjoy their culture,not find fault with it.

I agree. I loved living in Japan! Extremely kind and respectful (at least back 3 decades ago.) Drivers turned off high beams whenever they stopped at a traffic light so as to diminish the safety hazard and/or discomfort in the eyes of oncoming traffic drivers. It was verboten to play music on trains, lest you'd infringe upon the rights of others to have "quiet time." And no one went out into public areas if they were ill/had a cold, etc. If riders absolutely HAD to go on a train while they had sniffles, they always wore masks. Plus, I got my exercise while fervently bowing (deeper than the first one bowing! Absolutely!) It seemed that most of their customs/practices were not only well thought out, but obviously necessary in order to secure maximum comfort for all as well as to increase productivity on an individual as well as societal level.

Well put! Why Is it so many people think their way is the only way of thinking? I personally would love to be able to live and visit other countries...especially many Asian countries. I have visited an Asian country that has many problems, but the people live with joy and a zest for life and true freedom that most people I have met can only dream of. It is not that hard to enjoy another culture if you take the time to understand them and get to know them.